Memorial for Masque founder Brendan Mullen set for Sunday

Friends of Masque founder Brendan Mullen, who died at age 60 on Oct. 12 after suffering a stroke,  are invited to a memorial service and wake Sunday at the Echoplex in Echo Park.

Mullen was one of Los Angeles’ early champions of punk rock, and when he opened the Masque in Hollywood in 1977, the disjointed punk community found a focal point. It provided a forum for bands such as the Nerves, the Germs, the Dils and X, and also was the flash point for countless fans who went on to form their own bands. After the Masque closed, Mullen continued with adventurous bookings of music, theater and other events at Club Lingerie and other venues

The site for the memorial and wake was chosen because “The Echoplex is where Brendan booked his last show, a reunion of Masque bands to celebrate the publication of his book 'Live at the Masque: Nightmare in Punk Alley',” said his longtime partner, Kateri Butler, who was celebrating Mullen's 60th birthday with him on a trip through Ventura County when he had the stroke. “Many thanks to Liz Garo, queen of the Echoplex and a booker extraordinaire whom Brendan mentored early in her career, for her graciousness and generosity.”

Doors will open at 4 p.m., the memorial begins at 5 p.m. and the wake will follow. The Echoplex is at 1154 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park.

“The memorial is open to everyone who would like to pay his or her respects to Brendan,” Butler said. “I hope I have reached all of Brendan's friends, but it's certainly possible I may have missed some folks….Also, musicians: Anyone who wants to jam unplugged during the wake is welcome to do so. We will have Brendan's drum kit there.”

-- Randy Lewis